CHANDIGARH, May 22— An RTI query has revealed that the Chandigarh administration spent ₹46.59 lakh on staff salaries at the Sector 31 Group Home during 2024–25, despite the long-term care facility remaining non-operational nearly a year after completion.
The information, obtained by 78-year-old BK Chadha—a parent of a boy with mental illness—showed that 18 staff members were deployed at the home as of July 15, 2024. These include one manager, nine security guards, six safai karamcharis, and two malis, all hired through a manpower agency via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
The staff continues to receive salaries amounting to ₹5 lakh monthly, though the home, intended for residents with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder, has yet to admit a single resident. “This is shocking and deeply frustrating,” said Chadha. “Families like ours have waited years for this facility, and now public money is being spent while it stands empty.”
Public frustration has grown over delays, a contentious ₹20 lakh security deposit requirement for admission, and the absence of trained caregiving staff. These issues have drawn repeated criticism from caregivers, activists, and members of the disability rights community.
A separate RTI filed by Sector 37-D resident Harsharan Kaur revealed that 216 representations were submitted in 2024–25 regarding the home, including 37 from members of the UTTHAAN Society’s governing and executive bodies, which oversees the facility’s operations.
In response to an interim order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court urging reconsideration of the deposit clause, a meeting of the 13-member governing body, chaired by the UT advisor, is expected to convene soon. “We are seeking time from the advisor for the governing body meeting,” said Palika Arora, director of social welfare and secretary of the governing body. “As of now, our stance on the security deposit remains the same. We are examining the court order and will see what can be done.”
Despite the ongoing dispute, the social welfare department proceeded with the admission process. A public notice in March invited applications by April 10, 2025. Thirty-three applications were received, including several from individuals belonging to economically weaker sections.
According to the department, a mandatory 45-day medical assessment for applicants began on May 7 at the Mental Health Institute in Sector 32 and GRIID in Sector 31. This will be followed by a 45-day day-care programme before full residential admission begins.
The Group Home, envisioned as a vital step in providing long-term care for persons with disabilities, remains caught between bureaucratic delays, financial concerns, and growing public disillusionment.
